Narrowband UVB phototherapy for small plaque parapsoriasis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Phototherapy
• Medical Treatments

Background:

• Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy is a recognized treatment for various skin conditions.
• Small plaque parapsoriasis (SPP) is a dermatosis requiring effective therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of NB-UVB phototherapy for patients diagnosed with SPP.
• To assess the clinical response rates and identify potential side effects of NB-UVB treatment in SPP.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 45 patients with histologically confirmed SPP.
• Treatment administered 3-4 times weekly, with doses escalating from 70% of minimal erythema dose.
• Clinical response categorized as complete (CR, ≥90% clearing), partial (PR, 50-89% clearing), or no response (NR, <50% clearing).

Main Results:

• NB-UVB therapy resulted in CR in 73.3% (33/45) and PR in 26.6% (12/45) of patients.
• Mean cumulative doses and session numbers were recorded for both CR and PR groups.
• Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was noted in 51% of patients, with relapses occurring in 6 patients within a mean of 7.5 months.

Conclusions:

• NB-UVB phototherapy presents an effective, safe, and practical treatment for SPP, superior to broadband UVB and PUVA.
• Further extensive research with extended follow-up is recommended to fully ascertain long-term outcomes and complications.
• NB-UVB is a viable alternative therapeutic modality for managing small plaque parapsoriasis.